Its T-Time! All T-pylons now erected on the Hinkley Connection Project

Representing a world first in terms of pylon design, the first T-pylon to be built was constructed in September 2021 near East Huntspill.

T-pylons are quicker to erect than traditional lattice pylons and 47 more T-pylons were completed, including installation of the conductors by the end of 2022.

Our T-pylons will play a central role in connecting low carbon energy to millions of people when Hinkley Point C begins generation.

36 pylons between Woolavington and Loxton were energised in early 2023, meaning high voltage energy is now running along the new T-pylons, cables under the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the newly built substation at Sandford.

At the same time work began to build the 68 T-pylons running north of Sandford substation to Portbury.  Those 68 T-pylon structures are now complete. 

All the T-pylons will be energised by the end of 2024. Before then, conductors will be hung from the T-pylons and the remainder of 249 pylons and 67km of overhead wires will be removed from the landscape to make way for the new line.

Roxane Fisher-Redel, Senior Project Manager on the Hinkley Connection Project said: “Our T-pylons are the  first new design for overhead electricity lines in over a century and will play a central role in connecting low carbon energy to millions of people when Hinkley Point C begins generation.

“Erecting all the 116 T-pylon structures is a huge milestone and now we look ahead to 2025 and full completion of this project which will play such a key role in transmitting homegrown, low carbon energy around the UK – enough to power 6 million homes and businesses.”

The T-pylons were designed to reduce the visual impact of the 57-kilometre connection route on the landscape as a direct response to community feedback.

At 35m high, they are a third shorter than National Grid's traditional lattice transmission pylons and take up far less room on the land.